Chief Secy reviews arrangements for Kashmir Marathon

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming 2nd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon, being organized by the Tourism Department on November 2 in Srinagar.

Dulloo described the marquee event as a valuable opportunity to promote tourism and sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the inaugural edition had received overwhelming response and set new benchmarks for sporting events in the region.

He observed that participation from runners across the nation and abroad would further reinforce Kashmir’s image as a premier destination for leisure, adventure and sports tourism.

Emphasising seamless coordination among all departments, Dulloo directed the concerned to ensure foolproof arrangements for visiting athletes and participants, covering aspects such as transportation, accommodation, medical care, security, sanitation and event management.

The Chief Secretary urged the Traffic Department to take all necessary measures to secure the marathon routes on the day of the event. He emphasised the need for a comprehensive traffic management plan, including appropriate diversions and issuance of advance travel advisories to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.

He underscored the need to provide a memorable experience to all participants that reflects Kashmir’s hospitality and growing capability in hosting large-scale international events.

During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Ashish ChanderVerma informed that several renowned national and international athletes are expected to participate in this year’s edition.

He further noted that the event would also act as a platform to showcase local art, craft and culture, with dedicated stalls promoting handicrafts and handloom products from Jammu and Kashmir.

Director, Tourism Kashmir, Raja Yaqoob, presented a detailed overview of the operational plan, covering aspects of participant registration, route management, volunteer deployment, and publicity campaigns.

He elaborated that the marathon will feature two main race categories—the full marathon (42 km) and half marathon (21 km)—open to both men and women like the first edition of this game here.

The routes will traverse Srinagar’s most iconic and picturesque locations, including Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and Chinar-lined boulevards, offering runners an inspiring blend of athletic challenge and scenic beauty.

The meeting was apprised that the full marathon (42 km) will take participants through a captivating circuit showcasing the natural and cultural splendor of Srinagar, while the half marathon (21 km) will provide runners an equally enriching experience that combines endurance with the Valley’s breathtaking vistas.

Adding to the event’s grandeur, the Kashmir Marathon features an impressive prize pool, with substantial rewards for winners in both full and half marathon categories.